Director of Events & Hospitality

Job Title: Director of Events & Hospitality
Location: New York, NY
Department: Events, Catering & Production
Reports To: Managing Director
Type: Full-Time, On-Site

Overview

Pier 59 Studios seeks a dynamic Director of Events & Hospitality to lead the studio’s event and catering sales initiatives, including producing and overseeing the catering operations. This role is pivotal in maintaining Pier 59’s reputation as a premier destination for fashion, media, and high-profile events while ensuring exceptional service standards in both the event and food and beverage arenas. The ideal candidate blends creative sensibility, operational rigor, and leadership experience in high-touch, fast-paced environments.

Key Responsibilities

Event Strategy, Sales & Client Management

• Lead all event sales, from prospecting and pitching to closing contracts.
• Design and execute an event strategy focused on revenue growth, innovation, and luxury standards.
• Serve as the primary client liaison for event planning, ensuring seamless communication and white-glove service.
• Foster long-term client relationships, including agencies, producers, and brand executives.

Event Production Oversight

• Oversee full event execution—pre-production, live operations, and post-event wrap-ups for Pier59 Studios and the Studios Cafe.
• Oversee cross-departmental aspects to ensure a cohesive event, including all technical, staffing, and layout logistics, including AV, staging, and floor plans.
• Resolve real-time production challenges without compromising quality.

Catering & Hospitality Leadership

• Supervise and mentor staff across events and catering, including production coordinators, catering administrators, and café leads.
• Coordinate with the Chef on in-house catering sales, including menu development and execution logistics.
• Oversee catering admins and lead baristas for daily photoshoots, directing them regarding catering sales, contracts, and floor operations and ensuring proper pricing, billing, and execution.
• Lead recruitment, training, and performance management of all hospitality staff.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Manage budgets, labor, vendor contracts, and profitability across events and catering operations, including tracking food cost margins.
• Set up controls to oversee invoice accuracy and the approval process, track cost, and ensure financial reporting accuracy.
• Collaborate with leadership on pricing models and financial targets.

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of leadership experience in events, hospitality, or creative venue management.
• Proven track record in sales, high-end client service, and event logistics.
• Strong operational understanding of catering, food & beverage service, and team scheduling, including a familiarity with front-of-house café service and back-of-house kitchen logistics.
• Advanced communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized, composed under pressure, and flexible with extended/irregular hours.
• Proficiency with POS systems, budget tracking tools, and standard office platforms (Excel, Outlook, Google Sheets, QuickBooks).
• Preferred experience with production studios, fashion events, or branded activations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $130,000–$150,000, Possible based on a scaled commission schedule.

• Benefits:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with match
• Paid time off

Additional Requirements

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours as needed.
• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds and be on your feet for extended periods.
• Strong cultural fluency and professionalism in luxury, fashion, or media environments.